Tuesday, September 30, 2008

What is all the excitement about Barack Obama? What causes people to be so attracted to him? Obama calls for “change” and people are constantly hopping onto his change wagon. But what motivates this “change current”? Obama gives people a euphoria with his fancy words, smooth appearance, and passion-summoning ads, “Change” rallies, exciting words, and plastered smiles. It is an emotionally-charged approach to saying “Vote for me!”, and it is enticing people because emotional infatuation is a rather driving force these days. But do the majority of Obama's fans really know what kind of change they are rooting for? How do we know it isn’t just a cookie-cutter, fake approach to infatuate people? (If so, it has succeeded). Or even worse, is it the kind of change that will send our country on a downward spiral? Have we ever given it a thought that maybe Obama is not much more than fancy words and smooth appearance? That he can’t give our country much more than just a euphoria of passion? Consider it.

Monday, September 29, 2008

You couldn't get a job at McDonalds and become district manager after 143 days of experience.

You couldn't become chief of surgery after 143 days of experience as a surgeon.

You couldn't get a job as a teacher and be the superintendent after 143 days of experience.

You couldn't join the military and become a colonel after a 143 days of experience.

You couldn't get a job as a reporter and become the nightly news anchor after 143 days of experience.

BUT...From the time Barack Obama was sworn in as a United State Senator (January 2005), to the time he announced he was forming a Presidential exploratory committee, he logged 143 days of experience in the Senate. That's how many days the Senate was actually in session and working. After 143 days of active work experience, Obama believed he was ready to be Commander In Chief.

And, strangely, a large sector of the American public is okay with this and is even campaigning for him. We wouldn't accept this in our own line of work, yet some are will accept it for the President of the United States of America?

(from an email)

There is an intriguing experience comparison of the two candidates here.

Sunday, September 28, 2008

This video has been making its rounds via internet and email — and with good cause. I think it's the single most moving and effective resource I've seen... truly "summing it all up". And it's not relevant only for Catholics: any truth-loving citizen needs and deserves the reminder.

Saturday, September 27, 2008

I decided that in order to embody more of a spirit of continuity, instead of just doing my "Election Countdown", I will follow along with the 40 Days for Life (especially since many, if not most, of my election resources will be life-themed). Since the 40 Days for Life began the 24th, we are on Day 4 already.

Friday, September 26, 2008

I have been thrilled about this movie ever since I first heard of it weeks ago.

In an age when marriage is so undermined, belittled, and devalued, a portrayal of faithfulness is a true breath of fresh air.

It got even better tonight when I read the most marvelous article about lead actor Kirk Cameron. This guy is the real thing: not only does he star in a movie upholding marriage, but he absolutely and totally lives it. In Hollywood, that is rarer than a poor celebrity! Mr. Cameron is married 17 years, the father of six children (four of whom are adopted), and — get this — will only kiss his wife. Even on screen. I think that is just the greatest thing...seriously, I got delightful shivers up my back just reading it. We're talking the genuine article here, folks!

Of course, that wonderful personal commitment of his leaves us all wondering how on earth they shot a kissing scene in a movie like Fireproof, which (obviously) has to have one. Simple: it's him and his real wife. “So when I’m kissing my wife, we’re actually husband and wife honoring marriage behind the scenes,” Kirk explains. So beautiful.

I'm excited to have learned all this before seeing the movie... it will only make it more meaningful when I do! And now, what are you waiting for?

Every American pro-lifer agrees that this year's election is monumental. Live never before, we are obligated — yes, obligated — to fight for the sake of justice, the triumph of truth, and a day when light will perminantly dispell the darkness. Those with a voice cannot remain silent. Each day from today until November 4 (40 days), I will share a thought, video, action item, or news article relating to these historic elections. Through the widespread outlet of the internet, we have the chance to impact this election more powerfully than any ever before.

"The Church... must encourage the use of Internet for the common good, the development of peace and justice, in respect of personal dignity and with a spirit of solidarity."

(Archbishop John Foley, president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications)

Actor Eduardo Verastegui Makes Pro-Life Plea to Hispanic VotersSeptember 25, 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Mexican heartthrob actor Eduardo Verastegui has issued a pro-life plea to Hispanic voters in the United States in his introduction to the video "Dura Realidad" (Hard Reality), which shows healthy, developing fetuses juxtaposed with footage of abortions and the bodies of those who have died by the procedure...

Verastegui, star of the recent hit film "Bella", sits and speaks to the viewer about the horrifying nature of abortion and its impact on Hispanics, who seem to be disproportionately targeted by the abortion industry, before beginning the Hard Reality video."Abortion is an act of violence that kills babies," says Verastegui. "If you think this is an exaggeration, the next minutes are going to change your opinion."

Thursday, September 25, 2008

The pace of my life lately has left me quite weary and worn. This morning, I sat in Church wondering how to maximize the hours ahead of me, trying not to become despondent as I contemplated the deadlines of the day. Arriving home, I was greeted by the sweet, shining faces of the morning glories which cascade over our fence— blue blossoms lifted towards the nearly equally blue heavens.

I longed for the upward gaze and serene loveliness of the morning glories, and with a sigh stepped into the moist grass. The sounds and smells of morning surrounded me, and for a sweet, tranquil moment I drank in its freshness. Its brightness and newness. The Giver of the new day reached down and soothed my soul. And my heart and gaze lifted upward.

"But I will call this to mind, as my reason to have hope:The favors of the LORD are not exhausted, his mercies are not spent;They are renewed each morning, so great is his faithfulness."

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

It seems to me I may have seen something about this — maybe even a few times — but it wasn't until this evening that that I actually took notice. In case you are like me and haven't heard (or fully heard) about the 40 Days for Life starting today, do visit the official website! It's wonderful.

From today through November 2, pro-lifers across the nation are uniting spiritually in prayer and fasting for life. This video explains it beautifully, mentioned all the times in Biblical History that 40 days of intercession helped bring about a transformation of God's people. Now more than ever, we need a transformation. Be a part of this historic effort!

At Holy Mass this morning, I ran into an elderly gentleman that my family has known for several years, but with whom I have not spoken in a while. We initially got to know him from attending Mass at the Cathedral, and that is where I saw him today. This same gentleman is now quite up in years, and as I watched him return from Holy Communion today I couldn't help but notice what an immense effort it took for him to make each step— even with the aid of his walker. Such fidelity struck me. Here is a man who can barely move, yet he still drives faithfully to Mass each morning, lifts his walker from his car, and propels himself into the Church on two unsteady feet to sit down slowly in a pew and worship his God. Many of the rest of us who are agile and nimble could use to take some inspiration from this depth of effort!

One or two blogging friends "assigned" this to me quite a while back, so I'm finally snagging a few moments to complete it! It's been a packed last few days, so this is a welcome creative respite. I've seen plenty of other memes before, but this open-ended type is probably my favorite... Hopefully it may help you "get to know" me a bit better. :)

I play...volleyball with my family on the beach when we go on vacation

I smile...whenever I see a reminder of His love

I laugh...when surrounded by joyful girlhood friends

I can't wait...for the next time I can go to Adoration

I believe...that we need to really storm heaven for the upcoming Elections!

Now, I think I'm supposed to "assign" this to a bunch of people, but since I'm not sure who may or may not have done it already, if you read my blog and haven't done this yet, please consider yourself tagged! And please comment and let me know if you do it!

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Today is the Feast of the Exhaltation of the Holy Cross. This morning at Mass, Father stated during his homily that "the cross is the greatest symbol of our Faith". He went on to add, "The reason that the Eucharist is not the greatest symbol of our Faith is because it is not a symbol: it is a reality."

I thought it was a point worth repeating!

(For my non-Catholic readers: We believe that the Eucharist is a reality, not a symbol, because we take Jesus Christ at his word in John 6:48-58 and Luke 22:19-20. For more biblical explanation of the Eucharist, visit the Catholic Answers article here.)

Monday, September 08, 2008

Thy birth, O Virgin Mother of God,heralded joy to all the world.For from thou hast risen the Sun of justice,Christ our God.

Destroying the curse, He gave blessing;and damning death,He bestowed on us life everlasting.Blessed art thou among womenand blessed is the fruit of thy womb.

For from thou hast risen of Sun of justice,Christ our God.

­ from The Divine Office - Matins (Morning Prayer)

Today, we celebrate with joy the day that Our Lady came into the world — for that brought mankind gloriously near to the coming of its Redeemer. The body of this tiny maiden would one day bear within it the Word Made Flesh...and bring forth that Word to dwell among us.

For more on this tradition and history of this Feast, see these excellent articles:

Veronica, can it be that my little sister is such a lady? I so remember the day you entered my world! There is so much to love in you...the sugar and spice that you sprinkle all around, your piety, your fidelity, your perseverance and determination. Thank you for being my sister, my goddaughter, and my friend. I love you!